Graduate Study in Biology

You are eligible to apply if you have a strong undergraduate record in Biology. That often but not always means a B.S. in Biology, or a closely related field that required a lot of Biology coursework. It is not possible to make up deficiencies in undergraduate course backgrounds in your graduate program. Our full admissions requirements are listed here for M.S. applicants, and here for Ph.D. applicants. Note that we review all applications carefully, but with special attention to Ph.D. applications for readiness to pursue a Ph.D. If you have never been involved in research or advanced (grad-level) coursework, consider the M.S. program, even though we do not require an M.S. to apply for the Ph.D. program.

No. We are not allowed to do that.

See the School of Graduate Studies admissions requirements. These are University policies, not Biology department, and we cannot deviate from them.

We cannot admit anyone without an official transcript. The admission office will not release applications to us that are missing transcripts, so be sure to include ALL that you listed in your application about your academic history.

We do want a WES evaluated transcript if possible. We are not familiar with all the educational policies globally and need to understand how to interpret your record before committing to admissions.

GRE test scores are not required for admission to the biology graduate programs.  Applicants have the option to submit GRE scores if they believe the scores provide evidence of academic qualifications.

The Biology department usually has a limited number of teaching assistantships available most semesters. They are offered to admitted students based on faculty rankings of applications. There is not a separate application. We also try to cover tuition for as many of our students as possible, but availability of waivers is not guaranteed.

Some faculty have research grants that may or may not support graduate research assistantships. Contact faculty directly for information.

You are not required to contact a faculty member prior to applying. However, it is still a good idea because we do not admit anyone without a faculty member willing to serve as advisor. Often this is something faculty decide when they are reviewing applications. However, most faculty do not take new students every year. I would recommend you contact anyone you are interested in working with and asking if they are taking students.

Our deadline for Spring admissions is October 15. It is February 15 for Fall admissions. Be sure to have ALL of your application material, including transcripts and letters submitted PRIOR to those dates to avoid delays and possibly not being considered.